Customer Reviews

So You're Having a Hysterectomy

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I found this book clear, concise and very helpful. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that once again, despite it's title, it includes alternatives to hysterectomy. For those of us who have already made the decision out of necessity, I find that annoying.

I picked this book up at the library and am considering buying a copy, even though my surgery is scheduled for just a week from now. It is a great guide to what will happen, what questions to ask, how to prepare, etc., etc., etc. I'm on my second reading now and will probably read it again. Definitely worth the $10 or so price tag in my opinion.

Less biased than some books on the subject. Discusses hysterectomies and less-drastic alternative treatments, including the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of each. Discusses different methods of hysterectomy -- vaginal, abdominal, and laproscopic, and includes the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of each method. Some hysterectomy books do not mention the newer all-laproscopic method of hysterectomy, but this gives it good coverage. Also pros and cons of what to include in the hysterectomy, especially ovaries which have a major impact. Includes an in-depth discussion of what to expect after hysterectomy.

I'm sorry to see that this book is now out of print right as I am finally getting around to reviewing it. I read dozens of books on the subject before my hysterectomy 5 years ago. Four of those books I bought (the others were borrowed from the library), but this is the only one I have kept. At 228 pages, this book is smaller than some of the other hysterectomy books available, but it covered all the bases for me. It is very well-written: concise, clear, and comprehensive. It does a great job of giving the pros and cons of different procedures, always using a balanced viewpoint and often listing the results of studies. The chapter on alternatives to hysterectomy was excellent; it helped me realize that an alternative was not a realistic option for me.

This book is well-illustrated and has some very helpful diagrams/drawings in it. Something else that impresses me, but which will probably sound lame to other people, is that I find this book to be visually beautiful. Almost every page is highlighted with a gorgeous pinkish lavender color. You can see a sample of this yourself if you click on the "Look Inside" option on the image of the book at the top of this web page. (However, all of the lavender does not show up in the sample, so actual book looks better.) I hesitate to even mention this, because I realize that the splashes of pretty color will be insignificant to most people, but I find the appearance of the book to be pleasing and soothing.

There are a lot of comforting *words* in this book, too, such as "8 out of 10 women said their health improved after hysterectomy." You can add me to that group: my hysterectomy was a complete success and I'm so glad I had it! I delayed the procedure for many years due to my fear of surgery, but this book helped me overcome my fears.

This book is OK. If you are having a hysterectomy, it will give you valuable information that you need to know. The Essential Guide to Hysterectomy by Lauren F. Streicher is a more complete book. If you're only going to read one book before your surgery make it the Complete Guide.